A full house for day one of the 35th annual Quad Cities’ Home Show was good news for area builders and contractors.

“I think the past couple years it’s been a little bit slower, and I think people are just feeling a little bit more comfortable with the economy, with their finances, and maybe they’re been planning for a few years, and now they’re ready to start,” said Julie Awkerman, executive officer of Quad Cities Builders and Remodelers.

In the Iowa Quad Cites, there was a 49 percent jump in new home starts from 2011 to 2012. Across the river in Illinois, the growth is slower, but still up 4 percent.

“A lot of the Illinois area, it’s a little bit landlocked, but there is some stuff starting out there, so we’re happy to see that. Iowa has a little bit more viable land that is available,” said Awkerman.

Builders said it’s a positive sign after years of slumping sales.

IOWA--First-time home buyers in Iowa are set to receive some help from a new tax credit.

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